About Us

Founded in 1891, Dogs Trust (formerly the National Canine Defence League) is the largest dog welfare charity in the UK. Our mission is to bring about the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.

Here's what we do in a nutshell...

Each year we care for around 16,000 dogs at our nationwide network of 18 Rehoming Centres. No healthy dog is ever destroyed.

We run subsidised neutering campaigns in areas of the UK with the most acute stray dog problems.

Our Education Officers give thousands of classroom presentations every year. Free teaching resources are made available to all schools in the UK.

Our FREEDOM Project helps pet owners who are fleeing domestic violence by fostering their animals while they start a new life.

The HOPE Project gives preventative veterinary care to dogs belonging to homeless people.

We advise government on any matters concerning dog ownership.

We have established a charity in Ireland that runs a rehoming centre in Dublin.

We assist overseas animal welfare charities by training their staff in best practice.

We rely on the kind generosity of the public to make this possible. So, if you love dogs, please make a donation today.

How Rehoming Works

- The average time between visiting a Rehoming Centre and taking your new pet home is just eight days. Every circumstance is different but this brief guide lets you know what you will experience when you decide to rehome a dog from us.

- The rehoming centre is your gateway to finding your new pet pooch. When you arrive at the centre you will be greeted in reception by a friendly face.

- During this first visit we will take a few details from you so we know what you are looking for. You will be able to visit the dogs and we'll advise you on how to find the right dog for your circumstance and that your circumstances will work for the dog too.

- We would like you to get to know your chosen dog before you take him home so, if you have any other dogs or family members, you may need to bring them along for a further visit to ensure the whole family is happy with the decision.

- The fee for rehoming a dog can vary between £80-100 depending on the centre, but every dog is vet checked, microchipped and neutered and has four weeks pet insurance from PetPlan as well as a very cool Dogs Trust lead and collar - so we think it's a good deal!

- So now you are ready to take your new pal home, just one more step which is a pre-adoption talk. This ensures you are aware of the responsibilities of dog ownership and reminds you that we are always here when you need us!